Just started working. Any advice on dealing with emotional stress?

[honeyforasalteyfish]

I just started work as a CNA. Been certified for a year, but I had another job I wanted to stick around a bit longer at.

Landed a nice job at a mixed facility.

Seems like all great co-workers.

I also find the patients/residents extremely entertaining. In a good way in that I ussually genuinely enjoy friendly banter with them when time allows.

Now I know a lot if people would be like ewe poop, or it's hard work. None of that worries me. So far I have enjoyed it despite it being fairly hectic.

My worry is that well you know sometimes everything that can be done has been done, and how I might handle this unfortunate aspect of the job.

I feel extremely sad when talking to the families at time. They are so grateful, and I really believe the staff there is amazing, and never phones it in on care.

I haven't lost many people in my own life so far. Two of my grandparents died before I was born.

The other two died well after I was old enoug to remember them.

My grandfather died recently at ninety.

I loved him deeply, but I will admit for awhile I would avoid seeing him.

When I was younger he was so active, and full of life. He started to deteriorate, and eventually it became to emotional for me to see him often.

I am grateful though that when I became aware he was near the end, that I saw him much more frequently.

Its hard saying goodbye, but it's better to say it than leave it unsaid.

Anyways I don't know if I will have a problem, but I know I occasionally bottle up my emotions to an unhealthy degree. I wonder what I might do when the inevitable occurs?

Obviously it would never be as difficult for me as loved ones, but I know I would still hate seeing it.

Any advice?

[MechelleMyBell]

The best advice I can give you is that you have to talk about it. I'm the same way and don't like talking about things or bothering ppl with my problems or emotions when everyone has their own stuff to deal with. That being said, you talking about it may also help someone else that is like us that doesn't like to share their emotions. We are all human and we all go through these same emotions at some point in our lives so you are not alone and I think talking about it and not keeping it inside will unload a lot of stress. Be careful bc I personally know that stress can cause a lot of health problems. Find a way to meditate or exercise to relieve stress also. Stress is very harmful to your health in the long run. Good luck. You sound like the kind of person I would want taking care of my mom :)

[honeyforasalteyfish]

The best advice I can give you is that you have to talk about it. I'm the same way and don't like talking about things or bothering ppl with my problems or emotions when everyone has their own stuff to deal with. That being said, you talking about it may also help someone else that is like us that doesn't like to share their emotions. We are all human and we all go through these same emotions at some point in our lives so you are not alone and I think talking about it and not keeping it inside will unload a lot of stress. Be careful bc I personally know that stress can cause a lot of health problems. Find a way to meditate or exercise to relieve stress also. Stress is very harmful to your health in the long run. Good luck. You sound like the kind of person I would want taking care of my mom :)

Hey I appreciate thatí ½í¸ƒ.

I told my current employer one problem you will never have with me is a lack of empathy.

I haven't been at it long, and I can see how the stress could exasperate people.

However I have been in their shoes. Both as a patient, and a loved one. So being able to relate is not difficult for me, and I try to remember that.

So I can do my job well, and hopefully brighten their day if I can. I enjoy it so it works for me

[neuron]

Good you are working at a good facility. Aspects that you can't handle, I would leave that at the hands of the nurse. If you are there to change, transfer, turn, feed and toilet do those tasks. Otherwise, bigger problems such as breathing, let the nurse deal with that.

Don't worry about cleaning poop. We've all done it.

Only thing you can do when the 'inevitable' occurs, is keep them comfortable and offer support. Sometimes you do develop relationships to some degree with residents and it is not easy seeing them decline. You can't avoid that aspect of the job.

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

People with high empathy do feel more-they feel the grief and sadness of other people. In nursing you have to manage your own emotions, be therapeutic for your patients and loved ones, and still be able to run and answer the call light down the hall!

It may help to remember that death is part of life.

I agree with the previous poster who said you have to talk about your feelings to process them.

Best wishes :)